Side Dish Recipes

A favourite served at Din Tai Fung gets a healthy make-over. Water spinach, commonly known as kangkong, is rich in fibre, magnesium, vitamins A and C and is very low in calories. Word of caution: do not eat it raw as it may carry parasitic cysts from the waterways that are its natural habitat.

Spiced gherkin pickles layered with whole cloves and cinnamon, then bathed in a hot apple cider vinegar brine sweetened with sugar and dry mustard. An old Pennsylvania Dutch crock-pickle recipe with a sweet-tart bite.

Acorn squash soup roasts squash and garlic until caramelized, then purées with vegetable stock and a kick of cayenne and Tabasco. Vegan, low-fat, and finished with cooked wild rice for a hearty, healthy bowl.

Carrot and ginger soup with apples, fresh ginger, and a splash of sherry blended into a smooth, naturally sweet vegan puree. Healthy, gluten-free, and ready in 30 minutes from one pot.

Bright, citrusy California-style carrots tossed with fresh orange sections and zest. A fat-free vegetarian side dish that brings sunshine to any plate in just 30 minutes.

A scrumptious side dish made with lentils and chopped onions.

Using this lovely way to cook tofu, you will be amazed by the flavored texture tofu, serve with tasty mushroom gravy, it is a perfect dish.

Authentic Chinese side dish that combines the peppery flavor of radishes with a savory, slightly tangy with a hint of sweet soy dressing. The radishes are gleefully smashed allowing them to soak up the flavors of the dressing.

Chilled strawberry and white wine soup blended from fresh berries, lemon zest, and dry white wine. Elegant five-minute summer starter served cold in chilled bowls.

Plantains simmered in coconut milk with curry powder, cinnamon, and cloves. A simple African and Indian-inspired side dish where the plantains absorb the spiced coconut sauce as they soften.

Carrot soup with North African spices: velvety pureed carrots warmed with cumin, coriander, and ginger, brightened with orange juice, and finished with a swirl of creme fraiche. A vibrant vegetarian bowl.

Parmesan asparagus spears blanched crisp-tender and tossed in a balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan. Low-fat vegetarian side dish.

Turkish-style sauteed eggplant with a garlicky tomato sauce finished with vinegar. Salted and drained for silky, golden slices. Served warm or at room temperature.

Cold quinoa olive salad with green and black olives, pine nuts, red bell pepper, and umeboshi plum vinegar. A protein-packed vegetarian side with Mediterranean-Japanese flavors.

Classic Southern candied sweet potatoes: thick-sliced sweet potatoes baked low and slow in a brown sugar glaze until the edges caramelize. Four-ingredient Thanksgiving side, no marshmallows required.

This creamy and tangy soup is loaded with yumminess, and it's quick to make. A delicious side dish to accomplish the main dish.